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I can't believe that New Year's Day will mark one year since we moved into our new house! It has been a year full of learning, to say the least! I really thought I was good at being a grown up, but as it turns out, I really had no idea of what I was getting into! I mean, hot water heaters, mailbox installation, privacy fence rules, are you kidding me right now? One of the biggest things that I quickly learned when we moved in was that I had NO actual idea about roofing. As soon as we hired our home inspector, he quickly schooled me in all things roofing, and passed along some valuable tips that every new homeowner should know. Here's just a few things that I have learned in the last year:
#1. Know Your Roof's Age
The age of your home is not equal to the age of your roof. In many cases, your home's roof will have been replaced several times before you ever move in. And roofs do not last forever. One of the biggest things our home inspector taught me was to know the age of your roof, and to pay careful attention to that age, especially as your roof begins to reach the end of it's lifespan. I began to pay careful attention to this when I started to notice several of my neighbors replacing their roof this spring. Many times, once a roof starts to reach the end of it's lifespan, it will start to need costly repairs. These repairs, in some cases, can be close to the same as the cost of replacing the roof. This is why knowing the age of your roof is helpful, so you can start to save up some money for when it is time to replace it.
#2. Find a Trusted Roofing Contractor
Even if you are not in the market currently for roofing repairs, it is a good idea to find a licensed roofing contractor in your area, just in case the need arises. There are so many great roofing contractors, like Greater American Roofing, but you will have to do your research and find one in your area. Having a roofing company that you trust is a must, even if your roof is not currently experiencing any problems. Your roofing contractor can help to inspect your roof and let you know if there are any potential problems that might be lurking around the corner. Cracked or peeling shingles, debris on your roof, nearby trees that could cause damage, or attic issues can all be problems on down the road. A roofing contractor can help to pinpoint these issues and give you a head's up as to things that could be costly issues for you on down the road.
#3. Don't Forget The Attic
One thing that I didn't know was how much the attic is related to the health of the roof. Did you know that ventilation problems or insulation issues can cause problems for your roof, and vice versa? Make sure to have someone check your attic to make sure it is properly insulated and that warm or wet air is ventilating properly so that you won't have to worry about any issues. Likewise, it is important to have someone (a Louisville Roofing Contractor, for example) to check your roof for any leaks that could cause horrible issues with your attic on down the road. Even though it might seem like a pain in the butt now, a little work will go a long way towards prolonging the life of your roof. If you are not sure how to go about doing that type of thing, you can get advice from a roofing contractor or general handyman on that.
#4. Do Your Part
Another thing that it is important to remember, is that you can't just count on a professional to take care of everything for you. It's really important to do whatever you can on your own to try to prevent any roofing issues. For example, if you can periodically check your roof for any debris, especially after a storm, that can be a good first step. Also, remember to keep an eye on any trees that might have limbs or branches sticking out near your roof. It doesn't take a very long amount of time for a wayward branch to cause a hole to develop in a roof, so pay attention to that. If you do notice debris or limbs on your roof, use a blower or a soft brush or broom to clean the roof off to prevent problems from developing. Another important tip? Check your gutters too while you are getting debris off the roof. Clogged up gutters can also cause huge roof issues if left untreated, so make sure to check those from time to time. A good rule of thumb is to clear those gutters out at the change of seasons.
As you can see, none of the things shared here about roofing are exactly rocket science. They are all just things that are easily overlooked, especially if you are a new homeowner like me. I am really making a concerted effort to learn more about being a responsible homeowner. There really are lots of things that you can do on your own to take care of your home, but it is still a great idea to find a trusted professional to contact just in case you do come across something that is beyond what you can handle on your own.
Do you have any tips for new homeowners that you can share? Let us know in the comments!
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